For any business in any industry located anywhere in the world, commercial disputes can present an array of serious problems if not addressed swiftly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Commercial disputes can jeopardize profitability, reputation, and sometimes the very existence of a business. Our approach to commercial disputes is straight-forward: quickly learn the cause and parameters of the dispute, work proactively with the client to develop a desired outcome and a strategy to achieve that outcome, and then make it happen. Our Commercial Disputes team of more than 500 lawyers in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States has the breadth, depth of experience, and sophistication to successfully address even the most complex and difficult engagements.

The K&L Gates Complex Commercial Litigation and Disputes practice presents tremendous capabilities and a powerful platform to handle “must win” business disputes. We are well-equipped to take on the most complex and difficult engagements– anywhere, anytime around the globe. Our dispute resolution lawyers are recognized as being some of the foremost practitioners in their field. Many are ranked internationally and include fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Law Institute, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. BTI Consulting Group’s annual Litigation Outlook survey named K&L Gates as a “Standout” in the Complex Commercial Litigation and Routine Commercial Litigation categories. Representing both plaintiffs and defendants, we litigate the full spectrum of commercial disputes. The breadth of our experience is reflected not merely in the geographic and substantive span of our work, but also in the industries in which we regularly practice. K&L Gates has litigated and arbitrated major cases in almost every industry and market sector. The beginning of a case can often be the most critical stage. We employ our own early case assessment techniques to help our clients develop creative dispute resolution strategies, often leading to "win-win" outcomes. From successful pre-litigation settlement success stories to wins before tribunals, trial judges, juries, and appellate courts, our commercial disputes lawyers start and finish each client’s case focused on the specific course of action that will yield the optimal outcome.

While we are prepared to advocate for our clients if they find themselves in a commercial dispute, we recognize that litigation or arbitration is not the answer to every dispute. When appropriate, we work with our clients to help them resolve their disputes through mediation or other business-focused alternative dispute resolution techniques. However, when conflict is unavoidable, businesses and individuals across the globe turn to K&L Gates.

Represented a former substantial shareholder in a leading Bulgarian telecommunications company in a dispute with an investment bank over the terms of the share sale.

Represented a leading firm of actuaries in the English High Court and Court of Appeal, successfully defending a claim relating to an allegedly negligent pension scheme valuation.

Represented a world-leading constructor of offshore mobile drilling units and its Dutch subsidiary in arbitration in Singapore of €100 million plus dispute (extra work, extension of time) under an upgrade/refurbishment contract for a semi-submersible drilling unit.

Represented the buyer/lessor in US$100 million plus dispute under a lease for an FPSO and the underlying contract with a shipyard for conversion from a VLCC to an FPSO.

Represented a Japanese shipyard in an intellectual property dispute in relation to drilling equipment on a newbuild semi-submersible drilling unit.

Represented a joint venture of construction companies against consultants and their insurers on a multi-million dollar claim arising from the refurbishment of a landmark London hotel.

Represented the operator of one of the world’s longest tunnels in an insurance coverage dispute with its primary and excess layer insurers relating to physical damage and business interruption losses incurred as a result of a tunnel fire.

Represented a Vietnamese oil and gas company in a US$90 million dispute under a contract for the offshore installation of an FPSO.

Represented a Vietnamese shipyard in a dispute with a buyer and subcontractor under a contract for the construction of a state-of-the-art marine dredger.

Represented a Western European state electricity company in ICC arbitration proceedings involving a substantial claim for breach of contract on the sale of electricity generators.